Teachers & Staff
Our professional staff encourages exploration and growth in a well-equipped environment that is stimulating, safe, consistent and nurturing. We strive to enhance each child’s natural curiosity and love of learning.
A Message From our Teachers:
Ms. Dara - Lead Teacher/Administrator
Hi, my name is Dara Lavallee. I started teaching in the fall of 2009 at The JCC. I previously had been a stay at home mom of my two boys. My background is in Special Education. I received a bachelors degree in Special Ed from Lock Haven University in 1997. Prior to staying at home with my children, I was an Early Intervention teacher. I feel working at The JCC is very rewarding and really couldn't imagine a better fit for me. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your children's lives and all of yours as well.
A Message From our Teachers:
Ms. Dara - Lead Teacher/Administrator
Hi, my name is Dara Lavallee. I started teaching in the fall of 2009 at The JCC. I previously had been a stay at home mom of my two boys. My background is in Special Education. I received a bachelors degree in Special Ed from Lock Haven University in 1997. Prior to staying at home with my children, I was an Early Intervention teacher. I feel working at The JCC is very rewarding and really couldn't imagine a better fit for me. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your children's lives and all of yours as well.
Ms. Tarin - Co-Teacher
Hello!!! My name is Tarin Miller, and I am THRILLED to be joining Ms. Dara as a teacher. I have lived in State College my whole life and can’t imagine calling any other place home. I love spending time with my husband Josh, and our two kids, Theo and Nora. Both of my children went to JCCNS. I know from personal experience how genuinely wonderful and special this school is. I am so honored to be a part of it and help your little ones grow in kindness and love.
Hello!!! My name is Tarin Miller, and I am THRILLED to be joining Ms. Dara as a teacher. I have lived in State College my whole life and can’t imagine calling any other place home. I love spending time with my husband Josh, and our two kids, Theo and Nora. Both of my children went to JCCNS. I know from personal experience how genuinely wonderful and special this school is. I am so honored to be a part of it and help your little ones grow in kindness and love.
Staff and Interns
Our school frequently hosts interns and staff from Penn State University and other local colleges. We are a host site for the America Reads program, whose students bring a focus of literacy education to the classroom as part of fulfilling their educational training.
For more information about available internship positions, please contact our coordinator at [email protected].
Classroom Volunteers
Parents and guardians of current students volunteer in the classroom to provide an extra set of hands when needed. All classroom volunteers work under the direction and supervision of a trained teacher. Volunteers are required to follow our Volunteer Policy, as well as submit background clearances in line with SCASD requirements.
Our school frequently hosts interns and staff from Penn State University and other local colleges. We are a host site for the America Reads program, whose students bring a focus of literacy education to the classroom as part of fulfilling their educational training.
For more information about available internship positions, please contact our coordinator at [email protected].
Classroom Volunteers
Parents and guardians of current students volunteer in the classroom to provide an extra set of hands when needed. All classroom volunteers work under the direction and supervision of a trained teacher. Volunteers are required to follow our Volunteer Policy, as well as submit background clearances in line with SCASD requirements.